Savory Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Savory Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Succulent garlic butter chicken brings restaurant-quality magic straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Aromas of herbs and melted butter promise an extraordinary meal ahead.

Tender meat absorbs rich flavors while cooking effortlessly in one pan.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create such impressive results.

Seasonal herbs complement the garlic’s robust character, making each bite memorable.

Weeknight dinners just became seriously delicious and stress-free.

Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Experience

  • Delight in Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for home chefs of all levels.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, cheesy flavors and tender chicken, this meal guarantees smiles around the dinner table, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
  • Maximize Kitchen Efficiency: Using just one skillet reduces cleanup time, allowing you to spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, satisfying meal that comes together quickly.
  • Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe lets you swap sides or add personal touches, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences without compromising the delectable core flavors.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Dish

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the main star of this comforting dish.
For the Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: A blend of spices that adds depth and flavor to the chicken, creating a delicious and aromatic base.
For the Cooking Fats and Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a healthy cooking medium for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create the luxurious sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce with a savory, meaty undertone.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the sauce's silky smooth texture and decadent taste.
For the Cheese:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and sharp cheeses that create a creamy, indulgent sauce with complex flavor profiles.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal note to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and generously coat them with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Italian seasoning

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Move the perfectly cooked chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Create Magical Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce skillet heat to medium and add butter. Watch it melt and dance around the pan.

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle for 1-2 minutes until wonderfully aromatic. Pour chicken broth and let it bubble gently for 2 minutes.

Splash in heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken. Sprinkle in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Reunite Chicken with Dreamy Sauce

Gently return chicken to the skillet, lovingly coating each piece with the luxurious cheesy sauce.

Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 4: Plate and Enjoy

Serve this mouthwatering chicken immediately alongside your favorite companions like:
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Steamed seasonal vegetables
  • Crisp garden salad

Insider Tips for Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Saute minced garlic quickly over medium heat, stirring constantly to release flavor without scorching, which turns bitter and ruins the sauce's delicate taste.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F/75C internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy meat without overcooking.
  • Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to create a silky, lump-free sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream and serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables for a keto-friendly version.

Flavorful Variations of Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add crumbled feta cheese to the sauce for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Kick: Coat chicken with Cajun seasoning before searing. Mix in diced jalapeños and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, fiery version.
  • Mushroom Swiss Style: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with garlic before adding broth. Replace mozzarella with Swiss cheese for an earthy, rich alternative.
  • Lemon Herb Elegance: Add fresh lemon zest and juice to the sauce. Incorporate chopped fresh basil and use a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan for a bright, sophisticated taste.

Perfect Pairings with Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich, cheesy sauce, balancing its creamy texture with bright, zesty notes.
  • Elevate with Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty, warm bread soaks up the decadent sauce, adding a delightful crunch and extra garlic punch to complement the chicken's flavors.
  • Brighten with Lemony Green Salad: Light, tangy mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, indulgent main dish, cleansing the palate between bites.

How to Store Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Properly

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken stays fresh for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

  • What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook evenly, absorb the sauce perfectly, and provide a lean protein base for the dish.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella and Parmesan create an amazing flavor, you can substitute with provolone, cheddar, or Swiss cheese based on your preference. Just ensure they melt well.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

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Savory Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Savory Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter chicken elevates weeknight dinners with its rich, aromatic flavors straight from a French kitchen. Quick and elegant, this dish promises a delightful meal you can confidently create in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by generously coating with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Create a golden crust by searing in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165F/75C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Quickly saute minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until aromatic, being careful not to burn. Pour chicken broth and simmer briefly. Introduce heavy cream and allow sauce to gently bubble and thicken for 3-4 minutes. Gradually incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until sauce becomes silky and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Carefully return seared chicken to the skillet, lavishly coating with the rich, creamy cheese sauce. Allow chicken to rest and absorb flavors for 2-3 minutes over low heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and added freshness.
  4. Present the dish immediately while hot, accompanied by complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp garden salad.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked spots.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and enhance flavor absorption.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce option.
  • Cook chicken and sauce separately, storing them in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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